[New Edition] EXOTICA: Hiromi Matsuo Art Collection – ILLUSTRATION MAKING & VISUAL BOOK

Hiromi Matsuo, the beloved illustrator known for her nostalgic yet modern aesthetic, presents a newly updated and reimagined edition of her early works. Nearly a decade after the original publication of ILLUSTRATION MAKING & VISUAL BOOK Hiromi Matsuo in 2016, this new edition returns in a refined and expanded format, inviting readers to rediscover the charm of her retro-modern world with fresh eyes.

This new version, retitled EXOTICA, retains the essence of the original—featuring a curated selection of illustrations, behind-the-scenes making-of content, and a collection of rough sketches—while adding a host of new materials. It includes a brand-new cover illustration created specifically for this edition, a detailed look into the process behind that artwork, and an exclusive, newly conducted interview with the artist. Together, these additions provide not only visual enjoyment but also rare insight into Matsuo’s evolving creative philosophy and artistic growth.

Designed in an oversized B5 wide format and printed using state-of-the-art high-definition printing technology, EXOTICA enhances the viewing experience by capturing the finest details and subtle textures of Matsuo’s work. Every page highlights her signature ability to portray characters imbued with elegance, strength, and timeless beauty, brought to life through delicate lines and rich, period-inspired color palettes.

The cover artwork centers around the concept: “What if the original cover were reimagined today?”—serving as both a nod to the past and a statement of artistic evolution. Through this concept, readers can experience how Matsuo’s perspectives on illustration and character design have matured over the years.

Hiromi Matsuo, originally from Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture, began her professional career in 2010. She quickly gained a loyal following for her detailed and stylish illustrations rooted in a romanticized vision of 20th-century Japan. Her best-known works include Hyakkaten Waltz and Magazine Rondo, and in 2024, she held a major solo exhibition, Retro Modern Fantasia, at the Yayoi Museum in Tokyo.

EXOTICA is more than a simple reprint—it’s a celebration of artistic refinement, a visual journey through Matsuo’s development as an illustrator, and a collectible volume that bridges the past and present. For fans of her work, art students, or anyone captivated by vintage-inspired fashion illustration, this book offers both inspiration and a deeper appreciation of Hiromi Matsuo’s enchanting visual world.